Saturday, November 29, 2008

Richardson retires after 22 years in the NHL

After clearing waivers, Luke Richardson has decided that it's time to hang up his skates, and is expected to make the transition to a coaching position with the Ottawa Senators. Nothing has been confirmed yet, but Richardson is likely to accept an assistant coach position in Binghampton. Richardson has had conversations with Sens GM Bryan Murray about such a move, and it is highly probable that the move will be confirmed in the upcoming weeks.

He did more than was expected last season, which is why the Sens had nothing to lose when they invited him for a tryout in September. He had a solid tryout that landed him a two-way contract.

Richardson would make a good defensive coach to develop the young talent the Sens have on defense: Brendan Bell, Brian Lee, Alex Picard, and the youngters that play in Binghampton.

Luke Richardson, 39, played 22 seasons in the NHL for Toronto, Tampa Bay, Columbus, Edmonton and Philadelphia. In 1,417 games, he scored only 35 goals and 166 assists for 201 points. Richardson was more know for his rugged defensive style of play.

The Ottawa-native was drafted 7th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1987 entry draft. He played 2 junior seasons in Peterborough for the Petes where he recorded 69 points in 122 games.